The Happiest Hour

October 11, 2015

Story By: Kelli Shiroma | Photos by: MISSY ROMERO

Ichiriki Japanese Nabe Restaurant is known for its family-oriented dining, casual setting and calm atmosphere, complete with Japanese-style seating and décor. Even though the restaurant has never had a full bar, Ichiriki is proud to introduce an expanded drink menu, according to assistant manager (Aiea location) Bryson Mitsuda.

“Since September, we revamped our drink menu,” he confirms. “We lowered the prices of a lot of our drinks, plus we added new items, such as Sake Sampler.”

Mushroom Medley ($4.50)

Ahi Katsu ($5.50)

Kobe Beef Chanko ($17.95)

While Ichiriki always has offered sakes, Mitsuda says that Sake Sampler ($7.50 happy hour, $10 regular) especially has been popular because customers get a little bit of everything. Diners can choose three different sakes, and options include Otokoyama, Hakkaisan Honjozo, Dassai, Dassai Nigori and Kubota Senju.

“We’ve also added Jameson ($4), which is a whiskey, as well as mojitos ($4.95), to our drink menu,” Mitsuda says. “The mojitos are basically our shiso, peach and lychee shochus, but just a mojito version, so they have mint leaves.”

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September not only launched Ichiriki’s expanded drink menu, but also a new happy hour special. Customers now can enjoy Kobe Beef Chanko ($17.95), which includes that prized Kobe beef, rice, choice of udon, ramen or zosui. For the broth, there is the option of a classic pick or a premium upgrade for an additional cost. The dish comes with the same vegetables as the other chankos on the menu, according to Mitsuda.

“The Kobe Chanko is actually not part of our regular menu,” he says. “If customers wanted to order it for dinner, it would be an upgraded price from our Ribeye Chanko ($21.95). This entrée is special because of that Kobe beef. It’s like any of the other chankos, except for the meat selection.”

The happy hour special changes every so often, but Mitsuda says Kobe Beef Chanko will be around for a while, due to popular demand.

In addition to this available special, customers also should take advantage of Ichiriki’s happy hour menu because of the wide variety of appetizers. Happy hour appetizers include Garlic Shrimp ($5.50), Ahi Katsu ($5.50) and Mushroom Medley ($4.50), which, in addition to Chicken Karaage ($4) and French Fries ($2.50), are some of the most highly requested dishes.

“The Ahi Katsu is one of my favorites, hands down,” Mitsuda says. “The happy hour appetizers we feature comprise the same portion (as from the regular menu), but they’re available at discounted prices.”